2012 In Review

2012 was another great year for me although the first few months of the year were slow moving. The new year did not start with a bang for me. I started on my first dose of 10mg Lipitor to keep my cholesterol in check. This made me feel that I have crossed over to the old age phase of my life.

In conjunction with Mother’s Day in May, The Star published the article I wrote about my mother’s sacrifices for me and the final few weeks of her life. I am truly grateful to have a mother like her who was always there for me no matter rain or shine.

After an overnight trip to Penang in May to conduct a one-day Disability Equality Training (DET) workshop in Universiti Sains Malaysia, Wuan and I went back to Penang again in June on our annual pilgrimage for durians. Having savoured durians from all over, we still prefer Balik Pulau durians for their intense pungence and taste.

In September, I participated in the “TENA Rediscover Dreams” initiative by conducting a Disability Equality Training workshop. The project included making a video of my work as a DET trainer, and also had me appearing in advertorials and articles that were published in major newspapers.

Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya built a road hump right outside the house in that same month. I filed a complaint because the hump effectively became a barrier that impeded my free movement. The municipal councillor responsible for this area refused to entertain my objections. What made it worse was her partronising attitude when responding to me. The hump is still there after four months.

After many years having two front teeth with mismatched colours, I finally got the crown that I have had for thirty years replaced. Dr. Ammar Musawi of the International Medical University did a good job in restoring the aesthetics of my smile again. Yes, I admit, I am vain like that.

This was also a year of catching up with friends from far and near. On my trip to Kuching with Victor Chin in October to deliver a presentation on Disability Equality Training, I met up with Phyllis and Pierce, both online friends I have never met before although we have known each other for many years.

November saw me conducting Disability Equality Training for University of Malaya. The two and a half day workshop was participated by Disability Liaison Officers who are the point of reference on disability matters for the university staff and students.

Incidentally, Devyne was in town and since Wuan had taken leave to accompany me to the DET workshop in University of Malaya, we took the opportunity to meet up with her at Chilli’s and with friends we have not met in a while, namely Jocelyn, Mohan, Irene and Dale. Bryan was in town the next day and we met up for dinner, too.

That was followed by a presentation on Disability Equality Training at the plenary sessions of the 11th Asian Spinal Cord Network (ASCoN) Conference in the first day of December. The conference capped what proved to be a fruitful year for me where conducting DET workshops is concerned.

Generally, I am happy with how 2012 has unfolded. Here’s a toast to the best year of my life yet and wishing for an even better one this year. Cheers!